Burmese Cat: Breed Information, Care, Personality, & More

If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, then a Burmese cat is the perfect pet for you. These cats are highly intelligent, affectionate, and devoted to their owners. They love spending time with people, cuddling up on your lap, or taking part in family activities.

Even more remarkable is that these cats have an uncanny ability to understand human emotions and respond accordingly – they seem almost telepathic! 

If you’re looking to become the best Burmese owner, this article provides all the information needed to properly care for and love your unique pet. From basic needs to advanced tips and tricks, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide on becoming an excellent Burmese guardian.

Breed Overview

Burmese kitten laying on the floor

The Burmese are a beautiful breed of cat with an intriguing history. It was first developed in America in the 1930s from a single cat, Wong Mau. Wong Mau was a walnut-brown Siamese-Burmese hybrid, brought to America by a sailor.

The Burmese Cat is believed to be native to Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. It is thought that the breed originated in Burma and then spread throughout Southeast Asia. Eventually reaching Europe and North America in the late 19th century. 

Dr. Joseph G. Thompson of San Francisco set out to isolate and reproduce the distinct traits of Wong Mau. He bred a cat to a Seal Point Siamese which resulted in the first three-colored litter of kittens.

Fast forward to 1955, when the first blue Burmese kitten, Sealcoat Blue Surprise, was born in England. This was the first time cats of a color other than sable had been seen in the Burmese breed.

It is now believed that Wong Mau also carried the genes for dilution and chocolate that resulted in the appearance of chocolate, blue, and lilac kittens. The red factor was added later in Europe.

Today, the Burmese is a popular breed of cat recognized in many countries. It is known for its sleek and glossy coat, muscular body, and its curious and social personality. The Burmese are a confident and affectionate breed that loves their family and thrives in a home environment. 

Today Burmese cats have become popular among many cat lovers due to their friendly personalities and intelligence. They also like being around people so often follow owners around the house or curl up next to them while they sleep at night!

Related: Asian Cat Breeds with Captivating Histories and Origins

Identifying Burmese Cat

The Burmese cat is a unique and beautiful breed with a variety of patterns and colors. Their coats can range from dark sable brown to light golden apricot, with everything in between.

They also come in tortoiseshells which are a mix of different colors such as red or cream combined with sable, chocolate, blue, or lilac. These cats have large gold eyes that give them an innocent and sweet expression.

Young Burmese cats have darker points, but as they get older, their body color becomes deeper and richer until it almost becomes the same color as the points.

Lilac colors range from a bright pinkish gray to silvery platinum with pink tints. Creamy colors feature hints of apricot that mingle nicely with other colors.

Brown Burmese kitten sitting in living room

This cat has a strong muscular body that makes it surprisingly heavy for its size. Its short silky single coat hugs the body and feels like velvet when stroked.

The Burmese Cat is a vocal breed that loves to purr when getting patted by its owner. They will make purring noises when being held or when contented which adds even more charm to this already special breed of cats.

All in all, the Burmese Cat has lots going for it; from its stunning looks to its endearing personality – you’ll be sure you won’t regret adding one of these beauties into your life!

Personality Traits

The Burmese are sweet-natured cats that love to be around people. They are very social animals who thrive on company and will often seek out the attention of their owners. They are also quite playful cats, enjoying games and playing with toys as well as joining in on the fun with children in the house. 

Burmese cats make an ideal family pet due to their loving, people-oriented personalities and easygoing temperaments. Not only do these cats enjoy being around people but they will happily curl up on any lap available.

The Burmese breed has become popular for its intelligence which allows them to learn tricks and commands. They can learn to fetch objects or even respond when called by name! 

Burmese cats are the perfect companions for children and families with other pets. They love being around children who treat them politely. This breed is a social animal that also gets along well with other cats and dogs who show them respect.

When introducing a Burmese breed to a new home with children or other animals, you must take things slowly so that everyone can adjust safely and peacefully. With patience, understanding, and plenty of positive reinforcement these intelligent felines will soon be comfortable in their new environment.

Activity Level

The Burmese breed is an outgoing and inquisitive cat that loves to be part of the family. They are highly intelligent, so they thrive with families who will take the time to teach them new tricks and play games with them.

This breed needs to have plenty of puzzle toys or interactive toys available to keep their active minds engaged. They also do best when given regular attention from their families.

This is because they are extremely people-oriented cats who love being around humans. These cats can be quite playful and energetic at times, often joining in on family activities. 

Burmese Cat Loyalty

The Burmese cat is an incredibly loyal companion who enjoys being around people. Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them easy to train and eager to please their owners.

They are very patient and tolerant of other cats, as well as dogs, making them ideal for households with multiple pets. They will often follow their owners around the house or even curl up beside them in bed.

The loyalty of Burmese cats can be seen in the way they look at their owners with deep admiration and love. When they feel safe with someone, they will quickly bond with them and show unconditional acceptance no matter what happens.

A Burmese cat’s devotion is further demonstrated by how contented they are when spending time with those who have earned its trust. Whether it’s snuggling close or playing together, these cats know how to express themselves through companionship!

Burmese Cat ready to play

Love Of Water

The Burmese cat is a breed known for its mellow personality and easy-going nature. This makes them particularly well suited to activities that involve water, such as taking a bath.

With early exposure, the Burmese can easily learn to associate baths with fun experiences and develop an affinity for water. As long as their owners are mindful of safety precautions, there’s no reason why these cats can’t enjoy some splashing.

Trainability

The Burmese Cat is an intelligent breed that can be taught to perform a variety of tricks, such as fetching and retrieving. This playful breed loves interacting with children and other animals, making them an ideal family pet.

This trainable breed has been known to learn how to open doors or even turn on lights in your home! With its almost dog-like personality, the Burmese cat can easily be trained using positive reinforcement.

Not only are they very smart and trainable cats, but they also have a loving personality that will make you fall in love with them in no time!

Adult Size

The Burmese Cat is a medium-to-large-sized cat, with males typically being larger. The average height of an adult male Burmese Cat is between 8 and 10 inches from the ground to the shoulder. But females are usually slightly smaller at 7 to 9 inches.

In terms of weight, males generally weigh between 8 and 12 pounds whereas females tend to be lighter at around 6 to 10 lbs.

Their length matures anywhere from 14 – 18 inches. They have medium-length tails that are blunt or slightly tapering towards the tip which is why their body looks shorter. 

These cats also tend to have short legs but relatively muscular bodies. This makes them unique and makes them perfect climbers.

The growth rate of a Burmese Cat can vary greatly depending on its age and lifestyle, but overall they tend to grow quite quickly. In the first few weeks after birth, they typically double their weight in a matter of days and triple it by the end of the first month.

As they enter adulthood, their growth rate begins to slow down. However, when well-fed and cared for, they continue to gain up to one or two pounds per year until reaching maturity at around 4 years old.

After this point, some cats may continue to gain fat so you should control their diet. 

Burmese breed showing off its beauty

Life Expectancy

The Burmese is a breed of domestic cat that is known for its long life expectancy, often living up to 18 – 25 years. These cats are usually very loyal and loving companions, so if you’re looking for a pet who will be with you for many years, the Burmese Cat might be right for you!

To ensure your Burmese Cat lives the longest life possible, it’s important to provide them with proper nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups. Feeding them high-quality food will help keep their coat shiny and promote overall health.

It’s also important to make sure they get plenty of exercise by providing toys or climbing towers so they can stay active. Giving your cat lots of love and attention is key to ensuring a long lifespan.

Burmese Cat Care

Caring for a Burmese cat is a very important part of owning one. Weekly brushing or combing will help to keep their short, soft coat in good condition and remove any dead hair.

This also helps to distribute the skin oils that naturally occur in cats. Baths are rarely necessary as long as the brushing is done regularly. 

Dental hygiene should be done weekly as it can help prevent the disease from occurring. It’s also important to wipe the corners of your cat’s eyes with a soft damp cloth daily. You must remove the eye discharge to prevent skin and eye problems.

The litter box should be kept spotlessly clean at all times due to cats’ high standards when it comes to bathroom hygiene. You should clean and change the litter as often as it’s needed and also invest in high-quality litter for better hygiene.

Overall, caring for your Burmese cat doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Simply regular grooming and litter box maintenance will go a long way!

Taking care of these basic needs will ensure that you enjoy many years together with your beautiful companion animal!

Diet

The Burmese cat is a breed that requires special attention when it comes to nutrition. To keep them healthy and active, they need a diet high in quality proteins, balanced with healthy fats and carbohydrates.

Just like any other pet cat, they should also be fed wet food as well as dry kibble. Wet food is particularly important for this breed to keep them hydrated. Dry kibble should contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health as well as antioxidants for overall health maintenance.

In addition to providing a high-quality diet, exercise is also essential for the overall well-being of Burmese cats. They are very playful creatures so providing regular playtime activities such as chasing toys or playing fetch can help them stay physically active.

It’s also important that they have access to scratching posts or climbing trees; so they can stretch out their muscles while sharpening their claws naturally. Both of these activities are great ways to keep your feline friend happy and healthy!

To ensure your Burmese receives all the nutrients it needs daily, you may want to add some supplements to its diet periodically. Especially if your cat has certain dietary sensitivities or intolerances.

Burmese Cat ready to play

Probiotics are one supplement you may want to consider adding; these will help promote good gut health. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for promoting general wellness in cats as well. These fatty acids can be found in some foods so supplementing might not be necessary. 

Burmese cats need plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated. It’s best to provide them with a few clean and easily accessible water bowls around the house. This way they will have access to water at all times.

To make sure your Burmese cat stays hydrated, consider investing in a filtered drinking fountain instead of a regular bowl. This type of fountain provides running water for cats which is more enticing than standing still water in a bowl. 

Not only does it encourage better hydration habits, but it also adds an extra level of fun to their daily routine by giving them something to play with as they drink!

Exercise Requirement 

The Burmese cat breed is an active, intelligent, and curious breed that needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. By providing your cat with daily physical activity you are helping to stay fit mentally and physically.

Not only does this help prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive vocalization or destructive scratching but it also helps stimulate their minds.

Cat toys can be used to get your cat moving around to help make sure they are getting the required amount of exercise. These toys can help encourage natural behaviors such as pouncing, stalking, chasing after things that move, or even just running around for fun!

This will not only provide important physical activity for your feline friend but it will also give them a sense of purpose which can result in increased mental focus. 

Shedding Levels

As kittens, Burmese cats typically shed very little. They are born with a short, silky coat that is relatively easy to groom and maintain. As they grow, their shedding levels will remain low and consistent throughout their life.

During the shedding seasons, however, regular brushing can help keep their coats looking glossy and healthy. When Burmese cats reach adulthood, they may experience slight increases in shedding.

However, these increases are usually minor and don’t require too much maintenance on your part. With proper grooming habits such as frequent brushing during these seasons, you can keep your cat’s coat looking shiny without having to worry about excessive hair loss around the house!

Brown Burmese kitten sitting in living room

Health Issues

Burmese cats are susceptible to a few common diseases, the most serious of which is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a genetic disease that can cause heart failure and death.

You should buy your cat from reputable breeders that screen for health conditions. Having a healthy cat from the beginning will save you a lot of money and emotional hardship. 

Other common health issues in Burmese cats include upper respiratory infections, feline herpes virus, kidney disease, eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts, and dental problems.

A poor diet and living conditions can affect a Burmese cat’s health in many ways. Without proper nutrition and care, cats are more prone to different diseases. Cats that live in crowded or unsanitary conditions can be at higher risk of developing respiratory infections or skin problems.

To keep your Burmese healthy it is important to feed them a balanced diet and make them live an active lifestyle. Regular check-ups with a vet will ensure any issues are caught early on before they become serious health problems for your furry friend.

Buying Tips 

  1. Research the breed: Before purchasing a Burmese Cat, it is important to research the breed and understand its characteristics, temperament, and needs. This will help ensure that you are buying a kitten that is suited to your lifestyle and home environment.
  2. Choose a reputable breeder: It’s important to purchase your Burmese Cat from an experienced, knowledgeable breeder who can provide information about the litter’s health history and lineage. A good source of information on quality breeders is the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association).
  3. Visit the kittens in person: If possible, visit several litters of Burmese Cats before making a final decision on which one to purchase. This will allow you to observe their personalities, behaviors, and overall health firsthand so you can choose one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
  4. Ask questions: Be sure to ask plenty of questions when meeting with potential breeders or visiting kittens for sale – such as how long they have been breeding cats, what kind of health testing they do before selling kittens, how often they vaccinate their cats/kittens, etc.? By doing this you can get an idea if the breeder is reputable or not as well as have peace of mind knowing that your kitten has been properly cared for while in their care before adoption into yours!

Related: 250+ Amazing Burmese Cat Names & How To Select One!

Burmese kitten laying on the floor

Conclusion

The Burmese Cat is an excellent choice for any cat-loving family. They are affectionate, loyal, and easy to train. They also have a unique personality that makes them stand out from other breeds of cats. Their intelligence, loving nature, and beautiful coats make them wonderful companions for both adults and children alike. If you’re looking for a friendly lap cat with lots of love to give, the Burmese Cat may be the perfect fit!